Further improvements in and relating to fencing

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to fence, or preassembled fence section, comprising a plurality of upright elements spanning at least two rails, the arrangement being such that the upright elements are positioned within apertures in said rails, and there being inserts interacting between a said rail and an upright member to maintain the relative disposition of same.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to the construction of fences.Preferred embodiments comprise fences of metal construction of the typehaving an upright element spanning two or more rails.

BACKGROUND ART

While in the past many fences have been constructed of masonry or wood,the use of metal for fence construction is becoming more widespread.Typically, such construction comprises lengths of metal tubing which arearranged in an upright fashion between horizontal rails. The method ofconstruction may vary and in some cases the horizontal rails may merelybe end capping pieces for the upright elements. In other instances, eachrail may pass entirely through the rail and be welded into place. Inother arrangements, the upright elements may be fixed to the outside ofthe rail.

A problem with the prior art is that such methods of construction cansometimes be time consuming, especially where spot welding systems arerelied upon to maintain the upright elements in place. Another problemwith the prior art is that it is often difficult to use the knownmethods of construction on uneven ground. Where upright elements passthrough, or enter, rails the tolerances are usually quite tight and theupright elements are exactly perpendicular to the rails. Whenconstructing such a fence, the rails must always be truly horizontal,otherwise the upright elements will be non-vertical, and particularlydispleasing to the eye.

When such a fence is to be constructed for on sloping ground, eachsection of fence must be stepped. If not, one ends up with theparticularly displeasing situation of rails parallel to the ground,which in itself is aesthetically pleasing, but where the uprights areperpendicular to the ground and non-vertical—very displeasing.

The stepped arrangement causes further problems as the lower rail may bealmost touching the ground at the end of one section, and have aconsiderable gap underneath at the other end of that section. Thisgenerally necessitates building up a foundation to close this gap, oraltering the contour of the aground. For greater slopes, very shortstepped sections may be required, which also increases the number ofposts which must be secured into the ground. These factors can greatlyadd to the time and expense of constructing a fence.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoingproblems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of exampleonly.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, comprising a plurality of uprightelements spanning at least two rails, the arrangement being such thatthe upright elements are positioned within apertures in said rails, andthere being inserts interacting between a said rail and an uprightmember to maintain the relative disposition of same.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which there are at least two types of insert used for interactingbetween a rail and upright member.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which a said insert is positioned within the apertures in a rail andlock in place with respect to same so as to resist easy withdrawal in adirection substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of an insertedportion of an upright element.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which said insert interlocks with and is retained by the rail by atleast one of the following methods:

-   -   there is one or more retractable, compressible, or deformable        arms or barbs which, once the insert is positioned, splay        outwardly and resist withdrawal of the insert;    -   a keyed relationship between insert and rail, and    -   at least part of the insert being compressible and/or deformable        and including a locating groove or recess for accommodating part        of said rail.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which an insert interlocks with and is retained by the rail by aclipping arrangement involving a separate retaining member interactingwith either or both the insert and rail.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which a said insert presents, to the upright element, a sleeve orcollar portion whose internal diameter and shape is commensurate to theexternal diameter and shape of the inserted portion of said uprightelement.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which there is an interlocking relationship between an insert and itsassociated upright element.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which said interlocking relations between a rail and its associatedupright member comprises a method in which:

-   -   there is one or more retractable, compressible, or deformable        arms or barbs provided on the upright member which, once the        upright element is positioned, splay outwardly and resist        withdrawal of the insert;

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which said interlocking relationship between a rail and itsassociated upright member comprises at least one of the followingmethods:

-   -   a portion of the upright member including a locating groove or        recess for accommodating a feature on said insert, and    -   a portion of the insert including a locating groove or recess        for accommodating a feature on said insert.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which at least a portion of said insert is deformable or compressiblein order to allow the feature, and groove or recess, to engage duringassembly.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which said interlocking relationship between a rail and itsassociated upright comprises a keyed relationship between the uprightmember and the insert with which it is associated.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which an insert allows an inserted upright element to be oriented atleast a small angle from the perpendicular to the rail.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which the small angle is ±30° from the perpendicular.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is providedfence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which said rails are attached, or adapted to interact with,substantially upright posts or anchor points for support.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence, or preassembled fence section, substantially as described abovein which either or both a rail or upright element comprises metalconstruction.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda fence, or preassembled fence section, comprising a plurality ofupright aluminium or steel elements, said elements being connected tosubstantially perpendicular steel or aluminium rails by means of insertswhich are at least partially formed of a plastics material, the railsbeing secured to posts or other suitable anchor points.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda kitset comprising inserts, rails, and upright members, for theconstruction of a fence, or fence section, according to any one of thepreceding claims.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of fence construction comprising the provision of rails ofapertures of a size and configuration to accept an insert, securing saidrails to posts or anchor points, and including the substantiallyperpendicular and/or upright placement of upright elements in theapertures of said rails such that an insert is intermediary a rail andupright element, and ensuring the upright elements are resistant toready withdrawal from said rails.

It is envisaged that the present invention will be used primarily forconstruction of fences of metal, though other materials could also beused. For simplicity, however, the present description shall be directedto metal fences constructed of steel or aluminium, aluminium alloys, andvarious iron alloys.

The present invention focuses on fence construction which comprises two(or more) substantially horizontal or ground following rails which arespanned by a plurality of upright elements. According to the presentinvention the rails may be oriented to be truly horizontal, though mayalso be fastened so as to parallel the lie of the land.

The upright elements will generally always be substantially vertical,though it is possible that a user may wish to vary from the truevertical for effect. Accordingly, the term upright when applied to‘upright element’ may be interpreted fairly loosely, and typicallysignifies that the element will typically attain a reasonably uprightposition when spanning rails—depending, on user choice. Typically thiswill also mean that the upright elements are substantially perpendicularto the rails but again this may vary—see also later herein.

A potentially realisable advantage of the present invention is that thefence may be assembled on site. In contrast, most prior art systems relyon factory assembled sections which are merely fastened to a post orother anchor point. There is little flexibility in this system and caremust be taken to ensure that the fence posts are positioned accurately.However this does not preclude this method of installation from thescope of the present invention—this is primarily a matter of choice forthe installer.

Further, there are often limitations in the size of fence sections sothat a user must conform with what is predetermined at the factory. Onlevel ground, this may not represent a problem, though on slopingground, shorter sections may be required. It may therefore be necessaryfor a user to request fence sections of customised size, which canincrease the cost to the user. With the present invention, it isenvisaged that customisable pre-assembled sections may potentially beeasier and quicker to construct.

In contrast, the present invention is readily adapted to be assembled onsite. The ability to angle the upright elements in many embodiments frombeing truly perpendicular to the rails, alleviates some of the problemsof irregular section lengths encountered with sloping ground. Wherecustomised section lengths (between posts) are required, the providedrails may merely be trimmed on site to the required size. Depending uponhow the rails are fastened to the posts or anchor points, this impromptutrimming will not cause a problem in many instances.

At least part of the advantages which can be realised through use of thepresent invention stem from the manner by which the upright elements andrails connect. In prior art systems, which require welding or pressfitting of the different elements, it is not normally practical norpossible to construct the fence sections on site.

In most embodiments of the present invention there is provided an insertwhich is intermediary between the rails and upright elements. In mostcases, an interlocking connection is formed between the combination ofinsert, sail and upright elements so that the upright element is notreadily withdrawable in at least one of its longitudinal directions.

More specifically, in many embodiments there is an interaction betweenthe insert and the rail, and the upright member and the insert. In someinstances they may be more than one type of insert used between uprightmembers and different rails, and the interaction may vary.

For instance, it is usually desirable to prevent upright elements frombeing readily removed or falling free. Accordingly there should be anobserved locking relationship between an upright member and at least onerail—though in practice the locking relationship may be via anintermediate insert of a first type. However, this locking relationshipneed not be repeated for all rails, and thus cheaper or simpler insertsof an alternative type or construction may be used here. This willbecome clearer from the ensuing description herein.

In some embodiments an interlocking arrangement between the three maincomponents may not be required. For instance, one embodiment maycomprise top and bottom rails which cap the ends of the upright elementsi.e. each end of each upright element passes through an aperture in thetwo rails, but does not pass fully therethrough. Providing the rails aresecured in position at the posts or anchor points, it will not bepossible to remove the upright elements without first; disconnecting oneof the rails.

In other arrangements, the user's preference may be for upright elementswhich extend above or below the level of the rails i.e. may passentirely through one or more of the rails. In such situations, thereshould be some retaining arrangement to prevent the upright elementsfrom merely being slid from the rails. This is perhaps especiallyimportant where some degree of security is also to be provided by thefence.

While various retaining arrangements may be relied upon to restrictremoval of upright elements in a completed fence including for instancewelding, adhesive bonding, and mechanical fastening arrangements); it isperhaps desirable, at least for ready assembly, to rely on the insert toform any interlocking relationship between the rail and upright element.

In preferred embodiments apertures are already provided in the rails atthe appropriate spacings and faces thereof. These apertures, which maybe punched, drilled or formed by any other number of means, wouldgenerally be appropriately sized and configured to accept an insert.Typically, the insert will be inserted into this aperture and willideally lock or snap into place once inserted. Again, various connectionarrangements are known and may be employed in various embodiments,though a press-fit insert arrangement is perhaps easiest to use,especially when being inserted in the field. In some instances, theinserts may be pre-inserted at the factory, in which case harder to fitinserts may be relied upon.

Some of the methods which may be relied upon for an effectiveinteraction between insert and rail include:

-   -   there is one or more retractable, compressible, or resiliently        deformable arms or barbs which, once the insert is positioned,        splay outwardly and resist withdrawal of the insert;    -   a keyed relationship between insert and rail, and    -   at least part of the insert being compressible and/or deformable        and including a locating groove or recess for accommodating part        of said rail.

Another arrangement is where an insert interlocks with and is retainedby the rail through a clipping arrangement involving a separate retainmember interacting with either or both the insert and rail. It ispossible that such a retaining member interacts with and retains aplurality of inserts, and/or their associated upright elements.

In preferred embodiments an insert will have an outer annular groovecommensurate to the thickness of the face of the rail and will fit tothe rail much in the same manner as a grommet. This will become clearerfrom the drawings accompanying this specification. Other arrangementsmay also be relied upon (see also drawings).

Typically, an insert will present a sleeve or collar to an uprightelement which is inserted within the insert. Typically, the size andconfiguration of the aperture of the sleeve/collar will be commensurateto the outer size and configuration of the upright element. In someinstances, a tight fit may be presented. However, in preferredarrangements, there is an interlocking arrangement resulting from theinteraction between the features on both the upright element and insert.

For instance, an annular groove may be provided about, or at certainpoints on, the inserted portion of the upright element. One or moreprotrusions may be provided on the insert which will enter into theprovided annular groove once the upright element is inserted. Onceclipped, it may be difficult if not impossible to remove the uprightelement. The protrusions and/or element may be modified to facilitateinsertion, but resist withdrawal. The arrangement could also be reversedwith protrusions being provided on the upright element and the annulargroove within the insert. A plurality of these features may also beprovided between the upright element and insert combination.

Other connections/interlocking relationships may also be relied uponbetween insert and upright elements. For instance, possible methods offorming an interlocking relationship between an insert and uprightelement include:

-   -   one or more retractable, compressible, or deformable arms or        barbs provided on the upright member which, once the uptight        element is positioned, splay outwardly and resist withdrawal of        the insert;    -   a portion of the upright member including a locating groove or        recess for accommodating a feature on said insert, and    -   a portion of the insert including a locating groove or recess        for accommodating a feature on said insert.    -   a portion of said insert is deformable or compressible in order        to allow the feature, and groove or recess, to engage during        assembly.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention there is a keyedrelationship between the insert and upright element. To engage thisrelationship requires the upright element to be inserted into the insertand then rotated. Again, modifications may be made to resist the reversecombination of movements for withdrawal, once the upright element hasbeen locked into place. In some instances, this interaction need not begreat for instance for circular embodiments the insert may substantiallyfreely rotate within the rail making it difficult to disengage such keyed embodiments if some resistance to reverse rotation of the uprightelements with respect to the insert, (for withdrawal) is provided.

A locking portion may be provided to prevent reversal of the keyedassembly process. Such a locking portion may comprise a compressible,movable, or resiliently deformable feature which allows the other of theinsert or upright element to pass by, during insertion, until acomplimentary portion on the other is encountered and engaged.

In most embodiments, the inserts will be of a rigid material, thoughpreferably with some resilience. In preferred embodiments the use of aplastics material is preferred. This can provide several potentiallyrealisable advantages, including the ability co readily mould plasticsin a manner not common to many other materials. Further, many plasticsmaterials have the required degree of stiffness and resilience to holdan inserted element in a tight manner. Where slightly oversizedcomponents are provided, the chosen plastic material may be able todeform slightly to accommodate the difference in size, and therebymaintain a tight fit. Further, the non-conducting nature of mostplastics materials can help protect against galvanic action between thevarious components of the fencing system.

Another important advantage in some embodiments is the ability of theplastics material to deform slightly or exhibit resilience. Because ofthis, it, is possible in many embodiments to angle the upright elementsslightly with respect to the rails. Here the resilience anddeformability of the inserts (depending upon the design) may allow theupright element to be inserted and held other than at the trueperpendicular to the rail. The actual deviation from perpendicular willvary according to the nature of the insert, and whether the uprightelement passes entirely through the rail (and consequently thepositioning of apertures to accommodate the upright element on oppositefaces of the rail). While modifications may be made to accommodate awide range of angles or deviation, it is envisaged that most embodimentswill allow the upright element to be positioned within ±30° inclusive ofthe perpendicular, while the bulk of embodiments will allow a deviationof ±15° of the true perpendicular. In embodiments where the rails arealways to be truly horizontal to the ground, the deviation may belimited to within a few degrees of the true perpendicular e.g. ±5°.

In embodiments where a large angle deviation from the perpendicular isrequired, modified inserts may be provided in which the provided sleeveaperture for the upright element is at an range to the perpendicularwhen the insert is at rest within the rail i.e. not under Any stress ordeformation. A rance of different inserts may therefore be provided sothat the user, on site, can select the most preferable insert for thesituation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the pre-sent invention will become apparent from theensuing description which is given by way of example only and withreference to the drawings accompanying the provisional specification andin which:

FIG. 1 illustrate one preferred embodiment of an insert, itsrelationship with the rail, and an embodiment of an upright element foruse with same; and

FIG. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the central portion of an insertand an upright element for use with same, illustrating the interlockingportions; and

FIG. 3 represent a further embodiment of an interlocking insert and itsrelationship in a capping embodiment of a rail; and

FIG. 4 illustrate a rectangular embodiment of an insert, itsrelationship with the rail and an embodiment of an upright element foruse which same; and

FIG. 5 illustrate a further preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 6 illustrate modified washer and insert used in the embodiment ofFIG. 5.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings by way of example only, there is provideda fence (not shown) comprising a plurality of upright elements (1-3)spanning at least two rails (4-6), the arrangement being such that theupright elements (1-3) are positioned within apertures (7, 8) in saidrails (4-6), there being inserts (9-12) between said rail (4-6) andupright element (1-3) to maintain the relative disposition of same.

FIG. 1 illustrate one particular arrangement according to the presentinvention. FIG. 1 a shows a plan view of a preferred insert of thisparticular embodiment. This insert 9 resembles a grommet and includes anannular groove 13 to which the edge of the aperture 7 provided in therail 4 is accommodated. This effectively locks the insert 9 into placewith respect to the rail 4. This can be seen in FIG. 1 b where a cappingtype rail (4) is used, while in FIG. 1 c the rail 4 a has been modifiedto allow the upright elements to pass entirely through the rail 4 a.

Once the insert 9 is positioned within the rail 4, 4 a, it is difficultto remove. Some rotation of the insert 9 is possible, with respect tothe rail, which can resist removal of the upright element 1 when lock-edinto position.

FIG. 1 c illustrates an upright element 1, and also the pin 14 extendingfrom opposite sides of the insert 1. This pin (when the upright element1 is being inserted into the insert 9) travels down provided channels 15until they encounter the annular groove 16 provided on the inside of theinsert. At this point, the uptight element 1 is rotated so that the pintravels through the annular groove 16 (whose diameter graduallydecreases so that the pin represents a tight fit) and then encounters afurther recess 17. At this point, the pin 14 clicks into position sothat the insert 1 cannot be rotated in the opposite direction forremoval. If the upright element 1 is rotated, then the insert 9 willrotate with it.

FIG. 2 illustrates the central portion 10 of an insert. Various lockingarrangements such as illustrated in FIG. 1, can be used to secure theinsert 10 in position with respect to the rail.

Provided on the inside of the insert 10 is an inwardly directedcircumferential barb which interacts with an annular groove 18 onupright element 2. As can be seen, there is a one way interlockinginterrelationship between the barb 19 and groove 18.

FIG. 3 illustrate a further embodiment of an insert 11. This insert 11connects to the rail 5 in the same manner of insert 9. Two inwardlydirected protrusions 20 are provided which interact with recesses in anupright element. The recess may comprise an annular groove such asillustrated in FIG. 2 b, or may merely comprise appropriatelydimensioned and positioned apertures in the upright element.

In the arrangement of FIG. 3 a, the rail 5 acts as a capping rail i.e.the upright element 11 does not pass entirely through the rail 5. Such acapping rail 5 may be provided on the top and/or bottom of a section ofthe constructed fence.

FIG. 4 illustrate an alternative insert 12 which is of substantiallyrectangular cross section when viewed in plan. The length (when viewedleft to right in the diagram) is commensurate to the inside width of therail. This enables the insert 12 to be inserted through an aperture 25in the base of the rail 6 then rotated 90° so that its length isdirected width ways within the rail.

This inserted position is illustrated in FIGS. 4 b and 4 c. Because ofthe rectangular nature of the insert 12, it is not easily locked in orout of position. When the insert 3 is inserted, an annular groove 26accommodates protrusions 27 on the insert. Lengthwise removal of theinserted upright element 3 is not easy due to the nature of theinterlocking relationship (26, 27). Because the protrusions 27 areaccommodated by an annular groove 26 extending the entire circumferenceof the upright element, the upright element 3 is able to be continuouslyand freely rotated once inserted. Accordingly, it is not possible to usethe inserted element 3 to attempt to rotate and remove the insert 12from the rail 6. This helps ensure good resistance to upright element 3removal, which is desirable in security conscious applications.

The accompanying drawings illustrate but a few possible arrangements ofan upright element, and insert and rail. The illustrated examples aredemonstrative only and represent but a few possible embodiments of thepresent invention. Other fastening and clipping arrangements betweeninserted rail and insert and rail are possible, and may be employed invarious embodiments.

Various embodiments may also be more or less adapted to arrangements inwhich the inserted element is not truly perpendicular to the rail. Forthe arrangement of FIG. 4, the elongated aperture 25 allows the uprightelement 3 to be angled with respect to the rail 6—the bottom aperture 25is not so restrictive as to prevent any angling of the upright element 3with respect to the true perpendicular. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 b,deformation of the insert 9 will allow some angling of the insert withrespect to the rail 4, though an even lesser degree of angling would bepossible in the arrangement of FIG. 1 c unless the width of the bottomaperture (measured left to right on the drawing of FIG. 1 c) wasenlarged into a slot.

The arrangement of FIG. 4 c is perhaps best for embodiments in which theupright element must be angled with respect to the rail. In thisarrangement, it is possible for the entire body of the insert 12 toangle to match the orientation of the upright element 3. However, in theembodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, excessive angling may cause release of theinsert from the rail. This may be partially addressed by providingmodified angled inserts in which the inserted element is naturally heldat a particular angle.

In some instances, it may be difficult to physically insert the uprightelements 3 through the plastic inserts 52, 53 associated with the rails50, 51. Problems are particularly encountered for the lower rail 51mounting where the barb 54 may be difficult to pass through the roundaperture 55 of the insert 53. In the embodiment of FIG. 6 a a cut 56 isprovided down one side of the insert 53. This allows the centralaperture 55 to expand as the upright element 3 is passed through,allowing barb 54 to click into place within the insert (see for instanceFIG. 5 c). However, providing the cut 56 can compromise theeffectiveness of the insert 53 in preventing removal of the uprightelement 3. In some cases attempted rotation and pulling on the element 3could result in withdrawal of the upright element 3 from the insert 53.

To address this, the embodiment of FIG. 5 makes use of a rigid insert60, typically of metal, which interacts with the base of the flexibleinsert 53. The upright element 3 may be further modified immediatelybelow the barb. 54 by the provision of a groove, or flattened portion oflesser diameter, which corresponds to the internal width across theaperture 61 of insert 60. In FIG. 6 b, this is the narrowest dimensionof the aperture 61.

The consequence is that once pushed into position, the upright elementis unable to rotate with respect to rigid insert 60. Upward tabs 62 onthe insert 60 interact with further apertures 58 on the flexible insert53. As a consequence, in an installed embodiment (see FIG. 5 c forinstance) it is not possible to rotate the upright element 3 withrespect to flexible insert 53, or rigid insert 60. Any attemptedrotation of the upright element 3 will result in corresponding rotationof inserts 53 and 60, which would normally only occur during initialinstallation of an upright element 3 in the bottom rail 51.

Similar principles may also be applied to a mounting system associatedwhich the top rail of 50. Various other modifications and adaptations ofthe principles generally shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, may also be applied inother embodiments of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of exampleonly and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions maybe made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined inthe appended claims.

1. A fence, or preassembled fence section, comprising a plurality ofupright elements spanning at least two rails, the arrangement being suchthat the upright elements are positioned within apertures in said rails,and there being inserts interacting between a said rail and an uprightmember to maintain the relative disposition of same.
 2. A fence, orpreassembled fence section, as claimed in claim 1, in which there are atleast two types of inserts used for interacting between a rail andupright member.
 3. A fence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed inclaim 1, in which a said insert is positioned within the apertures in arial and lock in place with respect to same so as to resist easywithdrawal in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis of an inserted portion of an upright element.
 4. A fence, orpreassembled fence section, as claimed in claim 3, in which there is aninterlocking relationship between a said insert and a rail with which itinteracts.
 5. A fence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed inclaim 4, in which said insert interlocks with and is retained by therail by at least one of the following methods: a) there is one or moreretractable, compressible, or deformable arms or barbs which, once theinert is positioned, splay outwardly and resist withdrawal of theinsert; b) a keyed relationship between insert and rail; and c) at leastpart of the insert being compressible and/or deformable and including alocating groove or recess for accommodating part of said rail.
 6. Afence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed in claim 4, in which aninsert interlocks with and is retained by the rail by a clippingarrangement involving a separate retaining member interacting witheither or both the insert and rail.
 7. A fence, or preassembled fencesection, as claimed in claim 6, in which said retaining member interactswith and retains a plurality of inserts, and their associated uprightelements.
 8. A fence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed in claim3, in which a said insert presents, to the upright element, a sleeve orcollar portion whose internal diameter and shape is commensurate to theexternal diameter and shape of the inserted portion of said uprightelement.
 9. A fence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed in claim3, in which there is an interlocking relationship between an insert andits associated upright element.
 10. A fence, or preassembled fencesection, as claimed in claim 9, in which said interlocking relationshipbetween a rail and its associated upright member comprises a method inwhich: a) there is one or more retractable, compressible, or deformablearms or barbs provided on the upright member which, once the uprightelement is positioned, play outwardly and resist withdrawal of theinsert.
 11. A fence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed in claim9, in which said interlocking relationship between a rail and itsassociated upright member comprises at least one of the followingmethods: a) a portion of the upright member including a locating grooveor recess for accommodating a feature on said insert; and b) a portionof the insert including a locating groove or recess for accommodating afeature on said insert.
 12. A fence, or preassembled fence section, asclaimed in claim 9, in which at least a portion of said insert isdeformable or compressible in order to allow the feature, and groove orrecess, to engage during assembly.
 13. A fence, or preassembled fencesection, as claimed in claim 9, in which said interlocking relationshipbetween a rail and its associated upright element comprises a keyedrelationship between the upright member and the insert with which it isassociated.
 14. A fence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed inclaim 13, in which the keyed relationship comprises an insert and rotatearrangement.
 15. A fence, or preassembled fence, section, as claimed inclaim 14, in which there is a locking portion such that once rotatedinto position, the inserted upright element cannot be readily reversiblyrotated for release.
 16. A fence, or preassembled fence section, asclaimed in claim 15, in which a said locking portion comprises acompressible, movable, or resiliently deformable feature which allowsthe other of the insert or upright element to pass by, during insertion,until a complementary portion on the other is encountered and engaged.17. A fence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed in claim 3, inwhich an insert, or a portion thereof, is of a rigid material having atleast a small amount of resilience.
 18. A fence, or preassembled fencesection, as claimed in claim 3, in which an insert allows an insertedupright element to be oriented at least a small angle from theperpendicular to the rail.
 19. A fence, or preassembled fence section,as claimed in claim 18, in which the small angle is ±30° from theperpendicular.
 20. A fence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed inclaim 18, in which the small angle is ±15° from the perpendicular.
 21. Afence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed in claim 3, in which aninserted upright element passes entirely through said rail.
 22. A fence,or preassembled fence section, as claimed in claim 3, in which saidrails are attached, or adapted to interact with, substantially uprightposts or anchor points for support.
 23. A fence, or preassembled fencesection, as claimed in claim 22, in which said rails are positionedwithin apertures in said posts or anchor points.
 24. A fence, orpreassembled fence section, as claimed in either claim 22, in which arail insert is positioned between a said rail and post/anchorcombination.
 25. A fence, or preassembled fence section, as claimed inclaim 3, in which either or both a rail or upright element comprisesmetal construction.
 26. A fence, or preassembled fence section, asclaimed in claim 25, in which the metal is aluminum, an aluminum alloy,iron, or an alloy of iron.
 27. A fence, or preassembled fence section,as claimed in claim 3, in which an insert comprises a plastic material.28. A fence comprising a plurality of upright aluminum or steelelements, said elements being connected to substantially perpendicularsteel or aluminum rails by means of inserts which are at least partiallyformed of a plastic material, the rails being secured to posts or othersuitable anchor points.
 29. A method of fence construction comprisingthe provision of rails of apertures of a size and configuration toaccept an insert, securing said rails to posts or anchor points, andincluding the substantially perpendicular and/or upright placement ofupright elements in the apertures of said rails such that an insert isintermediary a rail and upright element, and ensuring the uprightelements are resistant to ready withdrawal from said rails.